El Paso cross country runners set sights on medals at state

One of the largest area contingents in recent memory will run at the University Interscholastic League State Cross Country Championships on Saturday in Round Rock, Texas.

Many of them will have chances to medal -- a few could even compete for a state title -- further substantiating El Paso athletes among the best distance runners in Texas. In all, four teams and eight individuals qualified for a total of 36 competitors from El Paso.

"I can't recall a time when this many teams from El Paso went to the state meet," Eastwood coach Mike McLain said. "It's pretty impressive."

Franklin's Brian Barraza shined at last week's Class 5A region meet, breaking 15 minutes for the first time running against two nationally ranked programs. He finished second, and there's reason to think he could improve this week.

Barraza had not competed against many of those teams before. Now, he knows who to focus on and run with. Franklin coach Jesse Aguilar also noted that Barraza excels on hilly courses, and the state meet has plenty of inclines, including a brutal uphill finish.

"I'm pretty optimistic," Aguilar said. "I think he can definitely medal, and if he can hang with those top guys, who knows what happens at the end."

Socorro's Jocelyn Caro, who finished fourth at regionals, will also be in the mix in Class 5A on the girls side. Caro ran against many of the top state runners earlier this season at the Nike Invitational and finished eighth.

"I think a top 10 is definitely possible," Caro said.

Advertisement

The Eastwood boys could medal as a team. Led by Ryan Saenz, Richard Mora and Brian Casillas, the Troopers, despite not having their best race, finished third at regionals. They lost by just two points to nationally ranked Lewisville Marcus.

El Paso's best chance to win a state title could come in Class 4A. Jefferson's Gerardo Escapita won the regional meet in impressive fashion, overcoming an injury to his Achilles during the race. Escapita would have entered as a favorite, but he did not run on Monday or Tuesday, trying to heal.

"I think I still have a shot," Escapita said. "I think all my training at the beginning of the year will pay off, kind of like it did at regionals."

Del Valle's Ivan Rodriguez finished right behind Escapita last week. Rodriguez has beaten Escapita before and he also won a meet at the same course earlier this year against some of the top 4A runners.

Both Escapita and Rodriguez will have to take down defending champion Ryan Teel from Friendswood.

"Ivan didn't have his best race last week, so he'll need to get refocused and run smarter," Del Valle coach Orlando Hairston said.

The Conquistadores, qualifying for the first time under Hairston, could medal, while Austin, wearing shirts with legendary coach Truman Wills' face on them, earned second at regionals. The Panthers are led by Walter Campa.

In Class 3A, the Clint boys qualified, while Cashlee Rayas will make another trip to state in the girls competition.

Evan Mohl may be reached at emohl@elpasotimes.com; 546-6381. Follow him on Twitter @EvanMohl.